Backgammon Live – play online real-time with massive community!

Backgammon Live (formerly Backgammon GC) is a social gaming platform where Backgammon gamers from all corners of the planet can come together and play a mobile version of the popular board game. The game is always busy with players so you’ll never need to wait long for a game. Backgammon GC also features the ability to play games for “$tickets” which are purchased through the apps’ parent website GameColony.com.

Pros & Cons:

Plenty of flexibility built around the social element of the game: chat, invite others to play, etc!

(Usually) Very responsive!

Cons

UI is not particularly great compared to other social games we’ve seen.

Regular connection issues, players start games then either do not respond, or leave the table.

Features:

Backgammon GC is a active social network built around the game of Backgammon. The games lets you play numerous games against live players from around the world in real-time. After you have registered with the game (powered through the main website GameColony.com) you get a main screen with all the games currently being played. If there is a ‘Play’ button you have the opportunity to join the game and get stuck into a live game of Backgammon. Alternatively, you can dip into a game and watch other users play. I like this feature especially because, as I’m not a particularly experienced Backgammon player, it was good to see other players in action.

There are some tutorials in the app itself, although Backgammon beginners might want to look further afield for instructions as those in-game aren’t that great- perhaps better as a refresher for players already familiar with the rules. When you select a game and start playing, it really depends on the other user as to how good the game will be. Sadly, I found many players simply leave the table or disconnect. I should stress that when you do find an active game or a reliable player the action can get quiet fast! When working well, the game is very responsive and action packed. You can also chat with the players you are competing against- further adding to the social element of the game.

Aside from occasional issues with stability (unreliability of players, random disconnecting) the app is generally without issue. The user interface is a little old-school and very simplistic. We’ve reviewed a few games that also act as social platforms; for example Draw Something and Scramble with Friends, but Backgammon GC cannot really compete with as far as user experience is concerned. It’s not that the UI is ‘bad’, just a little stark in comparison.

Fun Factor:

If you like Backgammon, I’m pretty confident that there aren’t many games that offer the playability and social interaction you get with Backgammon GC. It’s easy to get stuck into and offer a variety of options for fans of the popular board game.

Addictive:

I think because you can always find a game, day and night, with someone, somewhere, Backgammon fans can find the game very engrossing. I’m not so convinced this is the game for you if you’re a complete beginner to it, but if you already play, this might well see you coming back time and time again. Also, as you can play for $tickets via your GameColony account, it might become quite involving.

Graphics:

The board graphics are quite basic, but at least colourful and clear. The menus, game lists and player info, however, is a little on the basic side, and not really in a good way. Gamers used to the lush interfaces you get with Zynga’s community games might be in for a surprise here. Functional rather than pretty.

Accelerometer, Vibration & Sound:

There are various small sound effects when moves are made and dice are rolled. These aren’t amazing, but at least indicate what’s going on and it’s a nice addition.

AndroidTapp.com Rating

(4.3 out of 5)

Should you Download Backgammon Live? First and foremost, the game is free and you can play lots of Backgammon without requiring $tickets. The game framework is quite basic to look at but it’s mostly stable and works well. I wouldn’t recommend it if you have never played Backgammon before, but if you’re a fan of the game and like the idea of competing against online players on your mobile device, this is a pretty sweet way to do so. I think with some significant UI enhancements, it could become even more engaging and provide a better experience.

2 Comments

It seems that android phone apps are finally starting to become far more interesting. In this app backgammon is no longer a contest against the same boring machine but instead an interaction with the large community of backgammon players. It is a club, a social network on the phone!

Really like this app. the best thing about it is the ease of use and ability to start a game with a real person right when you log in. I was waiting for my daughter’s ballet lessons to be over with (sigh,,,,) and this app made me happy. I played two games with two different players and chatted with both of them.
It could use some fancier sounds, but overall a very enjoyable experience.